Shobha Deepak Singh, daughter of noted cultural impresario Smitra Charat Ram, remembers her mother, at least twice a day. Once, during the crack of dawn, and once during the break of dusk. Of late, Shobha has been remembering her more often. Presenting the 12th edition of Festival of Ballets, she’s feeling excited, but also slightly jittery, which is why she calls out her mother’s name to regain strength. It’s not because she feels overwhelmed with the organisation of the festival, but because as the years go by, she feels more responsible for the content of her shows, so that they continue to appease her patrons’ discerning senses. The blessings of her mother, Shobha feels, always helps her navigate through all kind of emotions, and out she comes, on the other side, feeling reassured and emotionally soothed.
Understanding the enchanting world of mythology, Shobha, through the Festival of Ballets, brings alive characters like Meera, Karna, Shree Durga, Kaalchakra and Kumar Sambhava. Embellished with music, costumes and powerful scripts, her presentation are an annual theatrical treat. “These stories have endured through generations, and because people still identify with them, they must be told again and again,” she says.
Date May 12, 15 and 16
Time 7 pm onwards
Venue Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, near Mandi House